A cafe, which is owned by Ryan QC Homes who support adults with learning disabilities, has thrown open its doors in Boothville in order to give work experience to its residents in supported living.
It comes as bosses at the home wanted to rent a bigger head office but after stumbling across the empty, unloved unit at Boothville Green they decided it would be a perfect hub for a cafe too.
The coffee shop - called Ryans after the founder's late nephew - opened on Monday serving light bites, cakes from Mill House Tea Rooms and hot drinks before it officially launches on Friday in time to raise funds for the Macmillan Coffee Morning at 11am.
Managing director Alex Duggan said: "My dad passed away ten years ago from his own personal battle against cancer and in his memory we thought all proceeds will go to Macmillan, that's everything we will take on the day."
The unit has seen a £100,000 investment from bosses to renovate the coffee shop, which has been a one-year labour of love.
It now has 12 inside covers and a large outside terrace area.
It is hoped the coffee shop will also be used as a hub for parents who have questions about their children with learning disabilities as Ryans QC Homes already looks after 45 adults with learning disabilities in 12 homes across Northamptonshire.
Alex added: "We will hold information open evenings for people to talk about and understand more about supported living to help them learn about what supported living is and what care is out there on offer."
Other information sessions will be based around talks with social workers and independent advocacy.
He added: "It's been a really positive, so many people have been saying how nice it is to have somewhere like this and they have complimented how good the coffee and service is. We have not had any negative feedback at all."
Jason Harris is the coffee shop manager and works alongside his dad Ken as a front of house member of staff. The pair used to run Riverview restaurant in Billing together.
Jason, who has since worked at Scoffers as a chef, said: "We can actually take on our vulnerable adults in assisted living who will work alongside us and they will get paid for it.
"It gives them a chance to work and be a part of the environment so they feel equal to us.
"It will help them with their confidence and give them the ability to communicate with people."
The cafe is open from Monday to Friday between 8am-5pm and on Saturday mornings the doors open from 9am-2pm - table reservations can be made.
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Ryans is thought to be the first coffee shop to open its doors in Boothville. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.
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Dad and son duo Ken and Jason Harris will be serving customs at Ryans. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.
